10.1 Megapixel 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
The 10.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FZ50 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) featuring powerful 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 420 mm on a 35 mm film camera) f/2.8 LEICA DC lens, as a successor to the DMC-FZ30, which has received high acclaim worldwide.
The FZ50 Recently won the Highly Recommended Award by DP Review.com-
Click Here to read the review
The DMC-FZ50 boasts a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI, making it possible to record a image at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, the DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording.
To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake - a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images- movement of the subject - the FZ50 is also equipped with the world's first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C. ) within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C, the Venus Engine III detects the subject's movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic's excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation automatically, leaving everything to the camera.
The LUMIX DMC-FZ50 faithfully inherits the well received basic specifications from its predecessor FZ30 such as the manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, yet enhances the image sensor up to 10.1-megapixel. Noise is drastically reduced with this new FZ50 achieving a rendition of even higher quality images. The DMC-FZ50 is bound to spark the imagination of high-end users and join the Panasonic LUMIX high-end model lineup
Despite the significantly increased performance of the camera, the Venus Engine III consumes only 80% of the power utilized by the Venus Engine II and is able to achieve a longer battery life of approx. 360 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time with an industry-leading level of shutter release time lag of as short as 0.009 sec*. minimum and the shutter interval of 0.8 sec*.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 140.75 x 85.5 x 142mm ( 5.54 x 3.37 x 5.59 inch)
Weight
Approx. 668 g. (1.47lb) Approx. 734 g with Battery and SD Memory Card (1.62lb)
Camera Effective Pixels
10.1 Mega pixels
Image Sensor
1/1.8 inch, 10.4 Mega Total Pixels CCD, Primary Colour Filter
Colour Effect Mode
Cool, Warm, Black and White, Sepia
Recording Format
Still Image: JPEG(Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 standard), DPOF corresponding, image with audio: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif2.2 standard)+ QuickTime, Motion images: QuickTime Motion JPEG RAW
Recording Image Size
Still Image: 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3648 x 2736 pixels, 3264 x 2448 pixels, 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels,1600 x 1200 pixels 3:2 Aspect Ratio:3600 x 2400 pixels, 3248 x 2160 pixels, 2560 x 1712 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels 16:9 Aspect Ratio:3584 x 2016 pixels, 3072 x 1728 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Image Quality
RAW / Fine / Standard
Motion Image
16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps / 10 fps, 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels, 30 fps / 10 fps, 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps / 10 fps, Max. recording time depends on Memory Card Capacity (Max. 2GB for a motion picture)
Included Software
LUMIX Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio -viewer-SILKPIX DEVELOPER STUDIO, ArcSoft Camera Suite (ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft PanoramaMaker) Adobe Reader, Quick Time, USB Driver
Standard Accessories
Battery Charger, Battery Pack, SD Memory Card (32 MB) Lens Cap, Lens Hood, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Strap, CD-ROM
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Author
trevorc Active Member
Registered: July 2006 Posts: 33
Review Date: Sat 10, February, 2007
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £389.00| Rating: 9
Strengths:
Build quality, portablilty, Leica glass, Fantastic Zoom capability, Huge fuctionality while being very easy to use
Weaknesses:
Macro not even as good as my old Minolta Z6, there may be better options if you intend doing a lot of low light stuff
I've had the FZ50 since October 2006 and it is a fantastic piece of kit, it's now available for not much more than £300. It thrives in good conditions but you need to be realistic in your expectations it isn't going to handle poorer conditions or extreme cropping as well as a good SLR with a good lens.
I would say it's the best camera there is if your requirements are the same as mine:
1. Birder who wants a camera with them all the time, I never leave the house without it apart from to go to the pub.
2. Doesn't want to carry large amounts of equipment around with them
3. Doesn't want to spend the best part of a £1000 that an SLR with quality lenses that match the FZ50s range will cost
4. Wants the ability to Point and Shoot but also wants the ability to use the full range of semi automatic and manual functions.
5. Is prepared to develop their photographic skills.
It has some great features including
1. A 12x zoom that you can extend by using the EZ zoom function which reduces the MPs but still produces good results. You can extend even further by the addition of a 2x convertor such as an Olympus TCon
2. Leica lens
3. A very easy to use interface including a function button that makes changing important settings very easy and quick.
The main criticism of Panasonic cameras is the noise at high ISO levels but unless you take your bird pictures in the dark I really don't see it as a problem.
If there is a better solution for birders under £800 I have yet to see it.
